Former England internationals Michael Owen and Joey Barton think Holland would have beaten Argentina in last night’s World Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out if Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul was on the pitch.
Magpies shot-stopper Krul was the star of the show in the last-eight triumph over Costa Rica, when he came on for Jasper Cillessen and saved two penalties following a 120-minute stalemate.
The Dutch once again failed to find the back of the net in last night’s clash with Argentina, and the dreaded showdown from 12 yards came after another 0-0 draw.
This time head coach Louis van Gaal had used all three substitutes, rendering him unable to introduce Krul to the action, and Cillessen failed to replicate his team-mate’s heroics as the south Americans succeeded with all four attempts.
In stark contrast, Holland pair Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder were denied by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero to set up a meeting with Germany in Sunday’s final.
Barton took to social media site Twitter to point out that Cillessen has never saved a penalty in his career, saying: “Dutch keeper has never saved a penalty ever. My did it show. Hate to say it but I did say Argentina on penalties. Great final in store.
“Great World Cup again for the Dutch. So close yet so far away. Krul would have saved at least two of the Argentina pens for sure.”
Ex-Liverpool and Manchester United man Owen added: “No wonder LVG put Krul on last time. Dutch keeper can’t get near them. Could have saved three of them, in particular (Sergio) Aguero’s.”